2015-2016

COVENTRY MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK

Student:______________________________

Mrs. Beth Lewis, Band Director Coventry Middle School3257 Cormany RoadAkron, Ohio 44319330-644-2232blewis@coventryschools.org

Welcome to the Coventry Middle School Band!

Performances

Concert Apparel Grades 6th and 7th Our dress code for concerts will be solid black dress pants, a band shirt, and black shoes (no heels, tennis shoes, or flip flops). Band shirts are $12.00. We will use the same shirts as the choir, so students in both will only need to purchase one shirt. Please contact me if you have difficulty in acquiring these items.

8th Grade Since many of our 8th grade students have outgrown their band shirts, the 8th grade band members will wear to following for concerts: Boys: Solid black dress pants, black socks, black shoes (no heels, tennis shoes, or flip flops) black button down shirt. Ties will be provided.Girls: Solid black top, solid black dress pants, black shoes (no heels, tennis shoes, or flip flops). Shirts and pants must be school dress code. Also, shirts must have sleeves.

Concert Attendance Concerts are a special opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned about their instruments as well as concert etiquette. Every band member is important to the overall sound and success of the group. This experience cannot be recreated, therefore it is imperative that students attend every concert. However, I understand that there are certain circumstances that make participation in a concert impossible.

Emergency Absences - The following emergency absences from a concert will be excused: illness, family emergency, or a death in the family. I will need a written note from a parent or guardian to document the absence. Other Extenuating Circumstances – Other absences may be excused at the discretion of the band director. In order to be excused, notice must be given in writing or in email at least one week before the concert. Please note that the following absences will NOT be excused: lack of transportation, birthday parties, school work, or baby-sitting.

Date Day Performance Time Location Ensemble9/18/2015 Friday Middle School Band Night TBA Stadium 8thGrade Band12/03/2015 Thursday Holiday Concert 7:00 PM CMS 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Bands2/25/2016 Thursday Winter Concert 7:00 PM CHS 8th and HS Bands3/10/2016 Tuesday Winter Concert 7:00 PM CMS 7th Grade Band/Choir4/9/2016 Saturday OMEA Solo and Ensemble TBA Kent Optional 7th, 8th Grade5/12/2016 Thursday End of the Year Concert 7:00 PM CMS 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Bands5/13-5/14 Fri/Sat OMEA Large Group TBA TBA 7th & 8th Grade Bands

Expectations Classroom Expectations

BE PUNCTUAL, PREPARED AND POLITE!

Playing in band is a joyful experience when all members take care of their individual responsibilities. Students need to come to class on time, bring the necessary materials, and try their very best. Following these expectations will ensure the success of each student and the band as a whole.

Materials Students need to bring the following materials to class everyday:

Instrument Pencil Folder MusicReeds(cl/sax)

Turning in paperwork/money Any paperwork such as handbook contracts, school forms ,and written work is to be turned into the form bin before class. Any money such as school fees/shirt order money must be in an envelope clearly marked with the student’s name and turned into the locked drop box. Both the bin and drop box are located on the left of the entrance. Students should turn these items in as soon as they enter the room.

Instrument Care Instruments must be kept in good working order for students and the entire band to succeed. This requires quick daily maintenance and for some instruments a supply of either reeds or valve oil.

Flute A swab or small piece of fabric and a tuning rod. Must be swabbed after every use.

Oboe, Clarinet, A swab and at least two extra reeds at all times. Must be swabbed after Bass Clarinet, every use.Bassoon

Alto Sax, A swab, an end cap, and at least two extra reeds at all times. Must be Tenor Sax swabbed after every use and stored with end cap in place.

Trumpet, Valve/slide oil. Water must be emptied after every use. Valves and French Horn, slides should be oiled before band, not during.Trombone, Baritone, Tuba

Percussion A stick bag with at least one pair of snare drum sticks. Sticks must be stored in students’ assigned cubby.

It is also recommended that students take their instrument to a music shop once a year for a check-up.

Reeds Students who play a reed instrument are responsible for suppling their own reeds. It is recommended that students buy an entire box at a time, it is more cost effective and they will need them! A site with great prices is http://www.interstatemusic.com. There are some reeds available for purchase for EMERGENCIES ONLY from the directors. Students must have $3.00 to purchase a reed this way.

Instrument Repair When students experience a problem with their instrument, they need to see a director AFTER CLASS. If a simple repair that can be performed by a director is needed, students should leave the instrument on the repair shelf located just inside the sectional room.

If a more serious repair is needed for a student-owned instrument, students have the option of leaving their instrument to be picked up and repaired by Taylor Band. Students and their families are responsible for the costs of repairs made to their personal instruments.

Students using a school-owned instrument will pay an instrument maintenance fee of $25. This money will go towards maintaining the instruments and eventually replacing instruments that cannot be repaired. Please note that $25 is only enough to cover standard repairs for normal wear and tear. If severe damage occurs from misuse of the instrument, students will need to cover the costs of those repairs in addition to the fee. *Please see attached instrument contract.

Recommended Music Stores

Taylor Band and Orchestra 2526 Wedgewood Dr, Akron, OH 44312(330) 733-4131

Musician’s Repair Service 871 Moe Dr A 11, Akron, OH 44310(330) 633-3631(hours are limited call ahead first!)

Pellegrino Music 5040 Everhard Rd NW, Canton, OH 44718(330) 498-8400

Grading Policy Participation 800 points (about 10 points daily) Playing Assessments 100 points (25 points each, about 4 per quarter) Written Work 20 points (10 points each, about 2 per quarter) Concert Attendance 100 points

All grades will be recorded weekly in Progress Book.

ParticipationEvery student will receive ten points per day. If a student did not earn all of his or her points for that day, the comment will explain why.

T (tardy) In room by the bell, in assigned seat with instrument assembled and music a few minutes later.

F (folder/pencil) Appropriate folder with all music, method book, and a working pencil. I (instrument) Instrument assembled and ready to play. Valves/slides oiled.P (posture) Correct playing position: feet flat, tall back, back not touching chair

(except bassoon and tuba). G (gum) Any foreign object in mouth: gum, candy, etc. OT (off task) Student is off task and/or needs to focus.SO (shouting out) Talking out of turn.MS (music stand) Students are responsible for setting up a music stand BEFORE class and

putting that stand away.M (miscellaneous) This can include continued neglect of one of the above areas...conduct,

focus issues, etc. Playing AssessmentsPlaying quizzes will be given during band class in small groups or sectionals. I will select music that can be easily mastered by the students with some preparation. I will be available for re-tests and tutoring if a student needs extra help with his or her assignment.

WrittenOccasional written work will be assigned and completed during class. The handbook contract is the first written assignment.

Practicing Practice time outside of class is essential for students’ success on their instrument. To motivate the students and help them make the most of their practice time, we supply them with the following tools:

1) Opportunities to practice during lunch, advisory, and after school in small groups or alone in the band room.

2) A weekly practice log in Progress Book3) A practice reflection sheet that can be used as extra credit towards a playing assessment.

Band Member/Band Section of the WeekWe want to celebrate the successes of our band members! Once a week, a student and section of each band will be recognized for their hard work. These students will have their name posted in the band room, receive a small prize, and be eligible in a raffle for larger prizes at the end of the year. They are also given the chance to carry the banner for the high school marching band at football games.

Band Handbook Contract Parents and students please sign and return this form by Friday, September 4th

Student Agreement:I have read the Band Handbook and agree to follow the policies and procedures of the band. I will also make all necessary arrangements to participate in all required performances and rehearsals.

Signature:_________________________________ Date:_______________________

Print Name:________________________________ ⃝5th ⃝ 6th ⃝ 7th ⃝ 8th

Parent Agreement:I have read the Band Handbook and I am aware of the classroom expectations, performance requirements, and policies of the Coventry Middle School Band.

Signature:_________________________________ Date:_______________________

Print Name:________________________________

Parent Email: ______________________________ Phone: ______________________

Thank you! We are looking forward to having you as a part of the band!

Be a Part of the Coventry Band Parents!

- All Meeting are at 7:00 P.M. in the High School Auditorium.

- Meetings will be on the first Tuesday of every month

- Come meet our new high school director Mr. Aaron Welker. Mr. Welker taught in Coventry as a long-term substitute in 2010. He’s excited to be back at Coventry and is looking forward to meeting our middle school band families.

First Meeting Tuesday,

September 1st

Interested in helping? Please fill out the following form:

Name _________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________ E-mail address______________________

Work Phone________________ Preferred method of contact ____________

I would like to assist the band program in the following ways (please check all appropriate areas)

___ Fundraising

___ Chaperoning student activities

___ Planning student activities (parties, trips)

___ Aid in setting up for concerts

___ Communication and Publicity

___ Other (please comment)

Optional Fundraising

Opportunities

Be on the lookout for more information about the following:

Lottery Tickets- September/October

Fruit Sale- November

Ornament Sale- November

Check out the band’s new website!coventrybands.com

New Uniforms!

The Marching Band hopes to raise enough money for new uniforms for 2016. This year’s 8th grade will be the first to use them! Visit the band website to see how you can help.